A rough summer spent dealing with bad-tempered tourists can cause even the most dedicated park rangers to question their life choices. I asked some National Park Service friends to weigh in on what a visitor might do to turn a tough day around for them, and the answers were eye-opening. Here are the six favorite things visitors do that make park rangers love their jobs.
- Ask about their favorite hike/experience/place. Always do your own research beforehand, but also ask for recommendations. Most rangers truly love the park in which they serve. Nothing makes them happier than sharing their passion with someone who really cares. After you’re done, take the extra step to come back and tell them all the cool stuff you saw!
- Lend a hand. Many parks have volunteer programs, but you don’t have to be official to lend a hand. Rangers love to see visitors taking the time to pick up litter, straighten brochure stacks, or joining a “friends” group.
- Attend ranger talks/hikes. Smile, listen, and ask questions. Some rangers have given their talks hundreds of times, but sometimes it feels like no one really cares. When a visitor pays attention and asks thoughful questions, it gives the speaker a huge boost. If you sign up for the new (free) NPS app, you can plan out which ranger events you want to catch during your visit in addition to downloading maps and safety information.
- Sign up your kids as junior rangers. Kids are the best! Many rangers told me that the highlight of their summer was a sweet junior ranger who wanted to hold their hand on a nature walk, worked through a packet with enthusiam, was excited to share what they’d learned, and/or talked about being a real park ranger someday. It’s even better if parents participate, too. (By the way, check out these adorable jr. ranger vests. So cute!).
- Remember to say, “Thank you.” We all know that “Please” and “thank you” go a long way in making people feel good. But it’s those visitors who go the extra mile––expressing their appreciation to park managers, writing thank you notes, and even coming back to see them for another activity––those efforts can make a ranger’s job a hundred times better. And don’t just thank the program staff, take time to thank the rangers who clean the bathrooms, direct traffic, enforce speed limits, or collect fees. Those folks rarely get thanked.
- Tips are prohibted for federal employees, but creative small gifts can be a fun surprise. Several of the rangers mentioned that they treasure hand-drawn pictures or small homemade crafts from kids. Surprising the entrance booth staff with donuts or a bottle of ice water for a ranger working out in the hot sun might be welcomed, too.
Make a ranger smile today!
